The bill amends Section 22.02(b) of the Penal Code to enhance the penalties for aggravated assault under specific circumstances. It maintains that aggravated assault is generally a second-degree felony but elevates it to a first-degree felony if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the use of a deadly weapon resulting in serious bodily injury to specific individuals, such as family members or public servants, or if the assault occurs during a mass shooting. Notably, the bill introduces new language that specifies the actor's location as being "inside of or directly en route to or from" a motor vehicle when certain actions, such as discharging a firearm, occur.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of aggravated assault to include scenarios where the actor places any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or causes damage to property while discharging a firearm. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.02 (Penal Code 22)